In response, the US State Department said that the Russian jet “engaged in an unsafe interaction with a U.S. EP-3 in international airspace, closing to within 5 feet (1.5 meters) and crossing directly in front of the EP-3’s flight path.”

“This is but the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements,” the US army claimed, whilst at the same time asking the Russians to “cease these unsafe actions.”

Russia has of late noted its displeasure with US military flights over Syria, the Baltics and the Black Sea. According to the Pentagon, the Russian defense ministry has instructed their planes to fly as close to as possible to US ships and spy planes.